between 2112 and 2004 B.C.
sea-green limestone ;
Morgan Seal 270
Description
1 cylinder seal : sea-green limestone ; 25 x 13.5 mm
Provenance
Acquired by Pierpont Morgan sometime between 1885 and 1908.
Notes
"The contest scenes of the period of the Third Dynasty of Ur are characterized by a scheme of three figures, usually one victim between two assailants. A distinctive feature is the appearance of the lion-griffin as the object of assault (268-270) ... The assignment of 270-273 to this period is questionable, however, since it is based only on the fact that their scenes embody the scheme of three figures ... In general the bowlegged dwarf does not appear earlier than the Isin-Larsa period, which followed the period of the Third Dynasty of Ur. This seal may therefore be of slightly later date than its present classification indicates."--Porada, CANES, p. 34
Summary
"Center: lion-griffin attacked by two heros, each wearing cap(?) -- Terminal: dwarf below scorpion, beside snake."--Porada, CANES, p. 34
Catalog link
Classification
Place
Southern Mesopotamia.
Department